Manipur pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi on National Cleanliness Day
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, October 02 2016: Observing the National Cleanliness Day 2016, Government of Manipur paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 147th birth anniversary today at GM Hall Imphal.

As an important part of the observation, Governor Dr Najma A Heptulla and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh led the floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at GM hall.

While giving the chief guest's speech, the Governor appealed for clean homes, roads, public places and environment and also for keeping oneself clean.

She recalled that Mahatma Gandhi gave much emphasis to cleanliness.

He believed that spiritual cleanliness (cleaning of mind and soul) is akin to approaching God.

Gandhiji led the Nation in the freedom struggle against the yoke of British.

He used nonviolence as a means of the struggle.

He belongs to the world and to all generation.

He is an apostle of truth.

He lived and died for peace and welfare of mankind.

He won affection and love from all over the world.

He became Mahatma, the great soul.

He taught the world brotherhood, friendship.

Not only did Mahatma Gandhi fight for political independence of the Nation but also for economic independence too, the Governor added.

In his presidential address, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said that every year on October 2 the Nation has observing it as National Cleanliness Day.

As a mark of respect to Gandhiji who had used non-violence as the only weapon independence from British rule, we are organizing the observation, said the Chief Minister.

Gandhiji taught the value of harmonious co-existence and mutual respect and his ideals of non-violence, freedom, equality and religious tolerance have eternal value.

We need to keep alive in our hearts and minds at all times the principles of tolerance and non-violence, added the Chief Minister.

In today's chaotic world, Gandhiji's message to live harmoniously has become very much relevant.

To him 'love' is everything, said Ibobi.

On the otherhand, cleanliness is one of the spiritual exercises performed by the Mahatma.

"For a healthy and wealthy society, we require a clean environment.

It produces clean and new ideas.

Life of cleaned soul and minds is best life.

Whatever service they render give benefits to the people and society, the Chief Minister stated.

The observation was attended by the MPs of Inner and Outer Manipur, Deputy Speaker, Council of Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, high ranking officials both from civil and police.

It may be recalled that Mahatma Gandhi was bom on October 2, 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat.

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